Where to Eat Near Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre

The newest hotspot from chef Evan Funke (Funke, Felix), this tucked away cocktail and aperitivo bar behind Mother Wolf is the perfect after-show meet up on weekend nights near the Bowl. The menu highlights handheld Roman street food classics like cacio e pepe arancini, fried squash blossoms filled with ricotta, and the chef’s signature garlicky sfincione (a type of focaccia), plus an array of wood-fired pies. Paired with cocktails like the Spritz Bianci (Italicus, cocchi americano, orange bitters, prosecco, lemon) and the La Gioventu (el Tesoro blanco tequila, centum herbis, aloe liqueur, bitters, cucumber, and lime) dining here feels like a Roman holiday without leaving L.A.

Filling the regrettable void of Sri Lankan restaurants in Central L.A., this Valley favorite has relocated to East Hollywood, bringing with it both traditional flavors and new dishes reinterpreted with global inspirations. Classic dishes like kottu roti, coconut chickpea curry, and string hoppers (rice noodles) are faithfully rendered, while more fusion-forward dishes like the kiribath risotto showcase the extent of chef Shaheen Ghazaly’s creativity. Pair it with a full cocktail and beer and wine list before a show either at the Bowl or the Greek (equidistant from both!).

The latest Italian-inspired concept from the owner of Venice’s Ospi, Jemma specializes in Italian American classics. Their viral circular crispy provolone with vodka sauce is a must-order (the same one they serve at Ospi), as well as their spicy rigatoni. There’s a large menu of naturally leavened pizzas made with organic flour if you’re feeding a crowd, including the Hapa (pineapple, fresno chile, jalapeno, and pepperoni) and the Ospizza (capicola ham, Calabrian chile, and honey). And if you’re looking for something even heftier, check out mains like crispy pork osso buco, chicken Milanese, and branzino alla Singapore. Open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Bowl before or after a show. 

Teleport to Japan at this classic Hollywood hillside Asian restaurant, just steps from the Hollywood Bowl. Located in a historic mansion that was built to replicate one in the mountains of Kyoto, you’ll dine amid koi ponds, cherry blossom trees, and bonsai gardens as you luxuriate in panoramic views of Los Angeles. Enjoy inventive dishes like the sashimi nachos (corn tortillas topped with tuna, salmon, hamachi, avocado purée, Korean chile paste vinaigrette, pico de gallo, and yuzu tobiko) alongside a full sushi menu and mains like kakuni braised short ribs and ra-yu branzino.

The Atwater outpost of this DTLA Thai favorite features both chef’s counter and casual outdoor seating — perfect for a quick meal before a big show. Choose from classics like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew to their famous Hot Burger (wagyu beef patties blended with Salmon Creek Farms ground pork, American cheese, and a mix of fish sauce, Thai basil, and fermented habanero aioli). Always-interesting rotating specials currently include tod maan (Thai fish cakes), Holy Fried Chicken, fried wonton nachos, shishito fries, and ice cream buns.

Bonus: It’s now open on Monday nights.

The Los Feliz standby, known for its chef-driven takes on Italian American classics and occasional celebrity sightings, features a cozy and perhaps unintentional New York vibe inside thanks to a vintage wooden bar and booth seating. Known for its massive chicken Parm, thin-crust pizzas, and other Italian specialties, it’s also walking distance to The Greek if you’re looking for a casual meal before a show. There’s plenty of outdoor seating that’s amenable to slightly larger groups as well. 

You can’t get any closer to rhe Greek than dining at Messhall (it’s literally just up the hill). But don’t let the restaurant’s  proximity fool you —  it’s still a dine-worthy destination with a crowd-pleasing American-inspired menu that highlights both Southern barbecue and a raw bar. This Los Feliz mainstay has a vibe that’s the perfect mix of casual bar/pub and family-friendly eatery with plenty of space to accommodate large groups. You’ll be close enough to walk to your event when you’re finished.  

Los Feliz’s original cool-kid restaurant, both locals and influencers alike gather at this all al-fresco Hillhurst staple (which often boasts lines down the block at all hours of the day). With a focus on farmer’s market-sourced produce and natural wines, choose from classics like their Good Ass Salad, Ashley’s Lamb Ragu, and a full vegetarian dinner complete with smoked eggplant, crispy kale and flatbread. They also have a takeout window if you’re looking to grab and go before a show.

This multi-level ode to Mexican cuisine will transport you to Oaxaca without leaving Los Feliz. The photoworthy indoor-outdoor space features soaring ceilings, lush foliage, and a convivial vibe that’s perfect for getting your crew hyped for the show. The recently updated menu from chef Alan Sanz features everything from staples like tacos, ceviches, and cochinita pibil to creative riffs on crowd pleasers like hummus and a Caesar salad. Their lineup of all Mexican-based spirits makes for perfect margaritas, festive slushies, or a formidable list of mezcals to pair with your meal.

Cal-Med specialist Kismet has been an East Hollywood fixture since opening in 2017. From chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, the charming vegetable-forward restaurant is known for its pitch-perfect mezze like fried cauliflower, sides like tahdig (crispy rice), and its signature flaky malawach, a Yemenite-style bread. Great for a group, choose from either indoor or outdoor sidewalk seating as you fill up before an event nearby (and do note, it’s also open on Mondays!).